The Referendum is well known to the Knights of Labor. For nine years past expressions of opinion have been asked of the local assemblies by the general executive board. The recent decision of the order to enter upon independent political action was made by a vote in response to a circular issued by the General Master Workman. The latter, at the annual convention at Toledo, in November, 1891, recommended that the Referendum form a part of the government machinery throughout the United States. The Knights being in some respects a secret organization, data as to referendary votings are not always made public. For the past decade or longer several of the national and international trades-unions of America have had the Initiative and Referendum in operation. Within the past five years the institution in various forms has been taken up by other unions, and at present it is in more or less practice in the following bodies, all associated with the American Federation of Labor: No. of No. of Members, National or International Union. Local Unions. December, 1891. Journeymen Bakers 81 17,500 Brewery Workmen 61 9,500 United Broth'h'd of Carpenters and Joiners 740 65,000 Amalgamated Carpenters and Joiners 40 2,800 Cigar-Makers 310 27,000 Carriage and Wagon Makers 11 2,000 Garment Workers 24 4,000 Granite Cutters 75 20,000 Tailors 170 17,000 Typographical Union 290 28,000 ------- Total 192,800